This is what some of our students had to say about their
study abroad experiences:

Kwabena
Offei-Danso - Paris, France

"Being in a foreign country is always something to
which I look forward. It gives me the opportunity to
experience different cultures, people and, if fortunate enough, a
different language as well. Being the travel seeker that I am, I eagerly jumped at the chance to
study abroad in France twice! The first time was in the
summer of 2003, which was spent in the sunny coast of southern
France, in Aix-en-Provence. The experience was
incredible. More recently, my last study abroad experience
was spent studying at the American Business School, which is part
of Institut de Gestion Sociale.

Studying in Paris exposed me to different people and
lifestyles while earning credits in a great atmosphere conducive
for studies. Each class at ABS was organized once per week,
leaving ample time to complete burdensome projects, socialize, and
explore the city.

I can gladly say that I met some of the
most fun people and made great friends in the process. The
city had uncountable sights to see and even four months was not
enough time to see them all. Most importantly, I was able to
enhance my French language skills, since I am a French
minor. I can gladly say that I had the time of my life and I
would gladly do it all over again."

Kareem Douglas - Tokyo, Japan

"Looking back on my year long experience in Tokyo,
Japan, I can honestly say that I learned more in those 365 days
then I had my entire life. But getting the most out of a
Study Abroad opportunity is about how much you put into your
experience - which means it's not for everybody. Study
abroad is for the student who is willing to live outside of his or
her personal comfort zones and reach out to the people in whatever
country to which he or she travels.

I gave my study in the Land of the Rising Sun all I
had...full immersion. I actually didn't speak English for
nearly 8 months! Initially, that is the most trying thing
about living in another country...getting past the language
barrier.

But being determined to understand what everyone
was talking about around me, I spent nearly 2 months nodding my
head 'yes' to everything said to me and an occasional 'no,' when
it looked like trouble. I decided not to speak English at
all, even if it meant a headache here and there. I
volunteered wherever I could; went on trips with Japanese friends;
got into many cultural events: Kabuki, Calligraphy, Karate, Sadou
(Tea-Ceremony); and even climbed Mount Fuji Twice!

Eventually it all paid off. My host family, as well as
many friends I had made, gave me credit for the effort I put in
and that led to much deeper and meaningful relationships.
That is the real goal of Study Abroad I believe: to form deep and
insightful relationships with people from other countries, causing
one to grow inwardly and interpersonally. I recommend Study
Abroad to those who are willing to reach down deep within to gain
a better understanding of the global village."

Ali Wimer - Seville, Spain

As a study abroad student in Seville, Spain, my entire
educational experience has been greatly enriched. Not only
did I improve my Spanish language skills, but through immersion
into an unfamiliar culture I also gained insight into a society
and lifestyle different from that to which I am accustomed.
My time spent with a host family enhanced my knowledge
of the Spanish language and introduced me to colloquial social and
political issues. My Spanish culture class covered the
history and composition of Spain and included informational visits
to historical cities.

The city of Seville is definitely one of the most
interesting cities in Spain. Located in southern Spain, this
city holds a mixture of cultural heritage. The Moorish
origin and modern-day Catholic influence are appealing aspects of
the culture that comprise diverse sentiments of the society.

Originally the capital of the Moors, Seville was reconquered by
Christian rule and stands today in an officially Catholic
country. The expansive history of Spain and its evolution
into modern society are probably the most intriguing of all of the
aspects of the culture.

I feel privileged to have visited Seville, Spain. I
learned much from the native Sevillians, as well as the other
American students in the program. For me, to study abroad
has been such an influential experience. I feel that study
abroad should be mandatory for all college students, as it enables
a student to gain insight on multiple levels.